Explore California’s Summer Produce With Farmers Markets!

This summer, enjoy some of the world’s finest produce from your local farmers markets! With farmers markets scattered throughout the region, there are many opportunities to support local farmers and enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. California’s diverse climate and fertile soil make it one of the top agricultural producers in the world, contributing both to its economy and as a crucial supplier of produce to the rest of the world. Summer, as peak harvest season, is an especially exciting time to head down to your local farmers market and support local businesses.

This summer, look for stone fruits like peaches and plums, berries, tomatoes, squash, and greens for the best seasonal produce in California. Summer is also the prime season for California sweet corn, known for its rich flavor. 

Here are a few of our favorite farmers markets in the Bay Area:

1. Palo Alto Farmers Market: Find this market on Gilman Street every Saturday from 8am to 12pm in downtown Palo Alto. Run entirely by volunteers (apply here!), the market’s proceeds are donated to a local organization, Avenidas, to support caregiving facilities in the Bay Area, having donated over $500,000 since 1981. This market is committed to community building, frequently having live music and a multitude of vendors from surrounding areas. Find out more here. 

2. Menlo Park Farmers Market: Open every Sunday from 9am to 1pm, this market has served the Menlo Park community since its opening in 1992. The profits from the market are reinvested into the community, and any excess produce is donated to feed the homeless. There is weekly live music to enjoy as you stroll through the aisles full of produce, dairy, flowers, and more! Find out more here. 

3. CSM Farmers Market: Located on the College of San Mateo’s campus and open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday, and is full with all the produce you could need this season! Not only does the market have one of the largest selections of summer produce in the Bay Area, it also sells local honey, jams, olive oils, chocolates, and more! Find out more here. 

 … and many more! We hope you enjoy the wonderful produce that California farmers markets have to offer!